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Puppy and 3 year old

72 replies

Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 06:44

Hi we’ve had a puppy reserved since newborn puppy is now 8 weeks and ready to leave next week. My youngest child is 3 years old. Any top tips on 3 year old and puppies. Anything that helped work for you etc with young children and little puppies. Puppy is a cockapoo will be 9 weeks when comes home. Currently is mostly pad trained with breeder but I’m hoping to learn her outside when she gets home. Have you any top tips of puppy training etc :) my 3 year old daughter is extremely gentle and kind, I’m well aware puppies jump nip play bite etc and I’ve tried to explain this to her. I’m also keeping a crate open with a bed in for puppy to have free flow alone time in it she needs to escape the kids!

OP posts:
Cockapoopoopoo · 17/03/2024 09:54

Hi Op, I have a five year old and a 13 week old cockapoo, got her at 9 weeks. The only challenge so far in terms of DD and puppy is the toe biting, I keep reminding DD to wear her slippers. Another thing I haven't enjoyed is the early mornings but you are probably better able to cope with that! The puppy sleeps a lot, has bursts of energy then needs a good nap so quite easy to keep on top of, tired puppies are bitey puppies so make sure puppy is rested. Other than that it has been a delight.

Toilet training was an odd one for us as puppy had a poorly tummy on and off so each time we made progress we'd take a step back again, if the weather is good just sitting with pup out in the garden until they go is helpful. Rarely having accidents now though, a pee inside this morning but fairly sure that was due to her not wanting to go out in the rain!

Satsuma2 · 17/03/2024 10:16

I had dogs when my children were born so they grew up with them. When my youngest was 18 months old I had one put down and got a puppy a few months later, we were then back up to two dogs.

The first thing I teach any puppy is 'bed'. Very easy to do as long as you are consistent, being consistent is vital in all training. Having young children running madly around and a young puppy joining the mix getting wound up is not great. Sending them to bed while you deal with whatever chaos the average child serves up daily is one less thing to fall over. I also have a rule in my house that no one, even me, are allowed to bother the dogs in any way when they are on their beds. If I need or want to do something to or with them I call them off their beds to do it. Things to teach the children are that the dog is not a toy so no pulling, pushing, sitting on or hitting. The difference between down and off. That any toy left lying around is fair game, if they don't want their toys chewed they put them away. The puppy will not understand the difference between his toys and the childrens toys. Same goes for shoes etc. Mind you in some instances adults don't understand these either, some pets have really shitty lives.

I could go on but I won't bore you. If these are things you do or know I apologise, it's hard to know what people know already on the internet. It is hard work at times and it's possible you will question your sanity at times, I know I did! But it will likely work out fine in the end. Good luck and have fun.

RedSquirrelRoar · 17/03/2024 10:22

I think this approach makes a lot of sense:
babysafedogtraining.com/helping-toddlers-not-be-magnetized-to-dogs-part-3/

As others have said, be very careful around food. Spaniels can be prone to resource guarding so be super careful not to have kids and dog together when there's food involved and do some (positive) training around this.

It might be worth brushing up on dog body language so you can see subtle signs they are uncomfortable/scared eg lip licking, whale eyes?

Interested in this thread?

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penelopepinkbott · 17/03/2024 10:23

My children have equally opertunities to experience things all children do.

So you don't really care about the dog then?

AlaskaThunderfuckHiiiiiiiii · 17/03/2024 10:37

@penelopepinkbott i kind of queried that too, equal opportunities isn’t about having pets? My kids would love a dog but I wouldn’t, I don’t have the time or inclination for animals in my house and my children don’t have additional needs. I certainly don’t think it’s depriving them of anything

Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 10:48

Thank you everyone for brilliant advise and comments but Here come the idiots again haha. No you miss understood. People where basically saying above that because my children are loud as they have addition needs the dog will end up dogs behaving badly. That they shouldn’t have a dog. I care about the dog thank you or I wouldn’t put myself out getting one! Nor would I of searched for the best breeder I could snd pay £1400 for her; put myself on a waiting list instead of going out buying one same day, booked and paid for puppy classes booked her in for second jab snd pet insurance spent upwards of 300 so far on a crate bed chew toys etc . I’ve had dogs my whole life . I was simply replying to a comment saying houses with loud children who have disabilities can still be perfectly comfortable and acceptable houses for dogs. Is that ok with you?

OP posts:
Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 10:50

If you aren’t giving advice on puppies and children and training etc or advise on other things like buy a crate etc then scroll on buy hun. Cos did not once ask your opinion on whether a dog is suitable for my household . Or whether you think I do or don’t care about a dog!

OP posts:
Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 10:55

Should also make it very clear that my children have never once asked me for a dog . As previously stated in comments I WANT A DOG. Thanks again for the comments above, glad to hear some have had great experiences and for your tips that helped you. I’m well aware and prepared for the difficulties too. Yes luckily early morning have been my life for over 6 years now, my eldest can run off zero sleep and when he does sleep it’s rarely more than a few hours. And they’re always up for the day by around 4-5am, so would I am used to an early start

OP posts:
Insidenumber09 · 17/03/2024 11:07

I have a 5 month old puppy and a 16 month old little boy. The pup has just lost her final puppy tooth now so not as sharp toothed. we found that “yaker” dog chews were a good send, they last way longer than any chew for the pup and they can really knaw away on them and help their teething pains. Also point to note, the first few days with you it will be stressed and will likely have diarrhoea (ours did anyway). I keep my cage in my kitchen and it works well for us. Congratulations and good luck With the pup x

Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 11:26

Thank you will definitely note that she maybe potentially have diarrhoea , will keep an eye. I’m sure it will be a difficult adjustment for her going from litter and mum to our house, but will do my best to help her settle and be comfortable x

OP posts:
SnugglyJumpersMakeItBetter · 17/03/2024 11:30

I would do role play with the children, with a dog cuddly toy. Spend this week role playing with them how the puppy is likely to behave, and how they should handle it - for example when the puppy is jumping up and getting overexcited, they should stay calm and turn their backs and know you will come and help, rather than running away or screaming. Role play putting your puppy in the crate and stress that there is to be no contact with pup when they're in there. Role play training techniques so they know the right words and signs to use for each 'trick' - this way you can all be consistent.

I would strongly advise you have boundaries about where the dog can go in the house, and stick to them. If pup is confined to the kitchen and garden for example, you won't have to worry about them chewing up toys because you can have a blanket rule of 'no toys in the kitchen', which again you should implement now. I would discourage you from allowing pup on furniture at all. As long as they have a lovely comfy bed there's no need, and it'll be good long term for keeping things clean and hygienic, and always mean the kids can get on the sofa or whatever to have a rest from pup - they will find the dog overwhelming and exhausting at times.

Have a think now where your children will be when you need to be alone in the kitchen or garden with the puppy - are they safe to wander around the rest of the house? Do you perhaps need to re-look at your playroom to be sure it's the safest it can be for leaving your little one in there alone - cupboards attached to walls, toys with tiny chokeable pieces stored away, electrical outlets hidden, wall mounted TV rather than freestanding, pens, scissors and craft materials put away somewhere inaccessible. Let's say your pup has horrible diarrhoea one day and you need a good 20 minutes to get everything sorted without your kids 'helping' (I've been there!!) you need to know you can put them in the playroom/living room/wherever and that they're safe while you're tackling the disaster zone.

Re walking, I know you're keen to enjoy long walks when your dog is grown, but during the first year or 2 while they are growing you need to limit walks so as not to risk damage to growth plates. Not to say they shouldn't have walks, but just hold off with the serious hikes! Look at snuffle mats, kongs, Nina Ottoson dog toys etc to use up mental energy instead, and of course do lots of training. Good luck!

Awumminnscotland · 17/03/2024 11:31

Hi Op, congrats on the incoming puppy.
Our puppy is 9months now. A couple of things that I'm glad we did...
Keep a light long lead on inside to communicate boundaries from the start eg: if she goes for kids toys or jumps up, a tiny pop on the lead let's her know that's off limits. Treats in your pocket at all times to reinforce wanted behaviours.

If you're up through the night anyway it's ideal for rapid toilet training as you'll need to get up for the first few weeks to let her pee.

On bringing puppy home, take her straight to the garden to pee, letting her know this is where she pees. Then take her inside and straight into the crate. I know this is controversial and the general preference seems to be to take a long time to acclimatise puppy but this really worked well for us and the puppy. She conked out immediately and slept. She was shattered and overwhelmed. If we'd let her roam around the house and been all excited playing with her it would have been too much for her. I was definitely hesitant about doing this and doubted the trainer who advised us but it made complete sense if you liken it to having a new baby.
We kept her world very small for the first few weeks and enforced plenty of naps. We also walked her round the garden boundary so we can let her out on request to the garden now and she stays put. She knocks on the patio door to get back in😆.
We have a very calm happy dog now. She still gets v excited when she sees new people/children but she has an excellent bed command so that really helps.

Our 8 yr old has additional needs and hates the unpredictability of the dog so having a calm well trained dog with clear boundaries (and v quick to toilet train) is crucial for us.

I think it's also worth reiterating about teaching and constant reinforcement to any children in the house about not touching crate/food/toys however sensible they are. Ours knew and would tell us all the rules throughout the day but it didn't stop her wanting to climb inside the crate or use the leads for her toy dogs. She's never left alone so we stopped these before they happened but it just shows knowing doesn't mean understanding or being able to stop impulsivity.

Wishing you well for your puppy adventure.

Bubblegummies · 17/03/2024 11:33

penelopepinkbott · 17/03/2024 10:23

My children have equally opertunities to experience things all children do.

So you don't really care about the dog then?

Where did Op say she doesn’t care about the dog?

Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 12:41

Thank you all, really helpful advice and nice to see positive stories regarding your own dogs.

SnugglyJumpersMakeItBetter -
thank you,
brilliant idea to practise and do role play I will definitely do all of that with them over this week, I think that will really work well to prepare them.

we have a play room/ second living room
Downstairs that the kids use to play In and keep all their bigger toys that aren’t in their bedrooms, I will definitely go back over the room to ensure nothing is there that can cause any harm or issues but it is child proofed out and would be happy for them to stay in there without worrying.

Awumminnscotland -
Thank you! it makes sense what your saying regarding putting pup out to toilet then in crate afterward, so not too much going on at first. I think this is what we will go with when she comes home. I can definitely see sense in that.
I do like the idea of the long lead also, I’m glad to hear your pup is settled now, clear boundaries is definitely what I will be doing my best to implement from day one, I do agree that is super important.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 17/03/2024 12:48

Just in case no one has mentioned it the FB group dog training advice and support is absolutely brilliant.

Lou573 · 17/03/2024 13:26

OP, in contrast to one poster above regarding leaving them alone, this is something I am grateful we did from day one. I made it clear I was going out the house each time - started day one for 2 minutes and returned. Built up a few minutes at a time and now she's happy left alone for up to 4 hours at 3, which is the longest I'd leave her. No separation anxiety at all.

One thing I've just remembered was a bit tricky was the school run before they can be left that long - the logistics were slightly challenging.

PaddingtonsHat · 17/03/2024 13:47

We had a puppy sling for the school run and general socialising before immunisations. Was really useful

Lou573 · 17/03/2024 13:57

Dogs aren't allowed in the playground at our school even if they're in a sling.

Roadyjoe22 · 17/03/2024 15:08

Thank you everyone, great tips. And They are allowed in our school fully. There’s school dog and every other person on the school run seems to bring there dog into the school

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 17/03/2024 15:14

You should have said poodle puppy instead of cockapoo. Then you would have had very different replies, and the actual advice you asked for rather than judgement.

Nothing sets MN off more than a cockapoo.

laughinglovingliving · 17/03/2024 16:27

I have two Westie X toy poodles
My first girl is 8 now and she's wonderful, but when she was a puppy she chewed EVERYTHING.
Second girl is 6 months and a total nightmare. Gives zero fucks about training of any kind, she is just toilet trained (except when it's raining!) she's not that bored with my boys (4&6) but she has destroyed so much stuff and generally makes a lot of mess. She has a puppy pen so we can keep her segregated if we need to. She's fab on walks at coming back but she bolts out the front door and goes off for a jolly if she can get away with it! 🤯😬

AnxietyLevelMax · 22/07/2024 15:08

@Roadyjoe22 hi OP. how is it going with a puppy and kids at home?

i am considering getting a puppy so looking for as many opinions as I can get!

do you regret it ?

if you feel you dont want to answer here, please drop me a pm :)

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